Large archive relating to John "Jack" Alexander Rogers and his wife Mildred Bond from NYC at turn of the 20th century. Lot includes President McKinley card with autograph (2.75" H) and dried carnation. Also included are several letters, checks, postcards, and photographs related to celebrated opera soprano Geraldine Farrar. Farrar received financial support for her vocal training from Charles Henry Bond (1846-1908), prominent business man and father of Mildred Bond. Most of the letters are handwritten by Farrar's mother, Henrietta M. Farrar, to Mrs. Bond circa 1901 during Geraldine's early European opera career. One letter is handwritten by Geraldine Farrar to Mrs. Rogers about her family's financial contributions and support early in her career, dated July 10, 1938, 7.825" x 6.125" folded. Lot also includes three photographs of the family's New York City apartment, each labelled "Taken by S. Chickering in 1902" top left of back, 7" x 9". Several handwritten and typed letters from author Patrick Mahony to Rodgers, samples of articles that Mahony wrote including a tribute article about Gloria Swanson, and other print materials collected by Mahony about Swanson, including a production still postcard of Gloria Swanson in the 1923 silent film "Zaza" (3.5" H). Envelope containing a handwritten letter to "Grandma Bond" (Mrs. Charles Bond), dated December 14, 1921 (6.5" H), one postcard addressed to Miss Mildred Bond, postmarked January 13, 1915 (3.625" H), 11 currency notes from China (1936-1945) and one Mexico peso note, and other miscellaneous stamps and print materials. Photograph of unidentified opera singer "Hawara" and handwritten letter on "Opera-Comique Paris Chicago Opera Company" stationery with photograph of Hawara upper left corner from the singer to unknown recipient, (8" H folded). Programme from "Charles H. Bond Memorial Concert" on March 3, 1909, 8" H) pasted to envelope containing "Geraldine Farrar's letters to Grandfather and Grandmother Bond" (6.75" H). Also included is a framed print with hand coloring titled, "The Only Way to Make Money Following the Ponies", signed in pen lower right "compliments Tom Obirer(?sp)". Printed by Hanak Co., Chicago. 13 1/2" x 7 3/4" sight. Provenance: descendent of John Alexander Rogers.
Condition
McKinley autograph card in good condition, brown toning line stretches from bottom left corner to middle of top edge on front surface. Photographs, postcards, and handwritten letter of Geraldine Farrar in good condition. Letters from Henrietta Farrar in very fragile condition. Photographs of New York City apartment in good condition. Letters and materials from Patrick Mahony in good condition. Other print materials in good condition.